Chord Electronics Étude Stereo Power Amplifier

Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics Étude Stereo Power Amplifier

150 W Choral Amplifier with Dual-Feed-Forward Technology

Special Order

May require additional processing and shipping time. Non-cancelable and non-returnable. Full manufacturer warranty included.

$7,165

Special Order Required

This special order item may require additional processing and shipping time. It cannot be canceled or returned.

Color: Black

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Description

The Chord Electronics Étude is a compact, high-performance stereo power amplifier from Chord's Choral range. Delivering 150 watts RMS per channel into 4Ω, Étude combines Chord's advanced dual-feed-forward error-correction technology with fully balanced circuitry, proprietary MOSFET construction, and Class AB sliding-bias operation.

Designed to complement components such as DAVE and Prima, Étude offers substantial loudspeaker-driving capability in Chord's distinctive compact Choral chassis. For systems requiring additional power, Étude can also be configured for bridged mono operation, delivering 300 watts into 4Ω.

Advanced Dual-Feed-Forward Technology

Étude introduced a fundamentally new amplifier topology for Chord, using multi-feedback and dual-feed-forward error correction to monitor and compensate for nonlinearities within the amplifier's output stage.

This technology works with Chord's proprietary high-power MOSFET devices to provide precise control of the audio signal while maintaining the speed and low distortion expected from Chord's high-performance amplification designs.

150 W Stereo / 300 W Bridged Mono

In standard stereo operation, Étude delivers 150 W RMS per channel into 4Ω at 0.05% distortion.

For systems requiring greater output from separate amplifiers, Étude can be operated in bridged mono mode, increasing output to 300 W into 4Ω. Two Étude amplifiers can therefore be configured as dedicated monoblocks, with one amplifier powering each loudspeaker.

Fully Balanced Class AB Design

Étude uses fully balanced circuitry with Class AB sliding-bias operation. It provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of high-quality preamplifiers and variable-output source components.

The amplifier does not provide input switching, so the XLR and RCA connections should not be used simultaneously. Étude is also a dedicated power amplifier and therefore requires a preamplifier or another source capable of properly controlling output level.

High-Frequency Power Supply Architecture

Internally, Étude uses three individual high-frequency switch-mode power-supply units: dedicated supplies for the active power rails plus an additional supply for auxiliary rails.

Chord combines this architecture with advanced internal shielding, proprietary MOSFET devices, and an actively cooled plenum-chamber design within the compact aluminum chassis.

Designed for the Choral System

Étude belongs to Chord's Choral range, making it a natural partner for other Choral components. Chord specifically recommends Prima, DAVE and Symphonic, as well as the Choral Ensemble Stand.

DAVE can provide DAC and preamplifier functionality directly into Étude, while Prima provides a dedicated analog preamplifier solution.

Key Features

150 W RMS per channel into 4Ω
Bridgeable to 300 W into 4Ω
Advanced dual-feed-forward error correction
Fully balanced Class AB sliding-bias circuitry
Proprietary Chord MOSFET construction
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
High-frequency switch-mode power supplies
Solid aluminum Choral chassis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics Étude?

Étude is a 150 W-per-channel stereo power amplifier from Chord's compact Choral range. It uses fully balanced circuitry, proprietary MOSFET devices, Class AB sliding bias, and advanced dual-feed-forward error correction.

How much power does Chord Étude deliver?

Étude delivers 150 W RMS per channel into 4Ω at 0.05% distortion in stereo operation.

Can Chord Étude be used as a monoblock?

Yes. Étude can be configured for bridged mono operation, increasing output to 300 W into 4Ω. Two Étude amplifiers can therefore be used as separate monoblocks for the left and right loudspeakers.

Does Étude have balanced inputs?

Yes. Étude provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs. Because the amplifier does not have an input selector, Chord instructs users to connect only one input type at a time.

Is Chord Étude an integrated amplifier?

No. Étude is a dedicated stereo power amplifier. It requires a separate preamplifier or another compatible component capable of controlling the output level.

Can Étude be used with Chord DAVE?

Yes. Chord specifically lists DAVE as a recommended partner for Étude. Because DAVE includes preamplifier functionality, it can provide volume-controlled analog output to the Étude.

Can Étude be paired with Chord Prima?

Yes. Prima is Chord's five-input Choral preamplifier and is specifically designed to complement Étude, making the combination a natural Chord preamp/power-amplifier system.

Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Product Type	Stereo Power Amplifier
Product Range	Choral
Amplifier Class	Class AB Sliding Bias
Circuitry	Fully Balanced
Amplifier Technology	Dual-Feed-Forward Error Correction
Output Power	150 W RMS per Channel into 4Ω @ 0.05% Distortion 300 W into 4Ω in Bridged Mono Operation
Frequency Range	5 Hz–120 kHz ±0.5 dB
Gain	30 dB
Channel Separation	Better than 95 dB
Input Impedance	100 kΩ Balanced/Unbalanced
Input Capacitance	<30 pF
Output Impedance	0.02Ω
Output Inductance	2.6 μH
Analog Inputs	1 × Stereo Pair Balanced XLR 1 × Stereo Pair Unbalanced RCA
Power Consumption	300 W
Dimensions	67 × 335 × 175 mm (H × W × D)
Weight	3.45 kg
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included Accessories	Étude Quickstart Guide Safety Instructions 10 A Mains IEC Cable

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